Health Impact Assessment Study on Active Travel in Large Urban Areas

Abstract

The paper intends to present the advantages and the disadvantages of the non-motorized movements (cycling and walking) in large urban areas compared to motorized modes using as a case study the application of an instrument called Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) for walking and cycling. The case study is based upon the analogy between these aspects for a town which is friendly to walking and cycling (Barcelona-Spain) and a town less friendly with these types of movements (Bucharest-Romania). Health impact assessment is a combination of procedures, methods and tools used to evaluate the potential health effects of a policy, programme or project. Using a combination of qualitative, quantitative and participatory techniques, health impact assessment aims to produce recommendations that will help decision-makers and other stakeholders make choices about alternatives and improvements to prevent disease/injury and to actively promote health (more on health impact assessment).